Hong Kong has seen a wave of new bars openings over the past few months, and I’ve rounded up some of my favourite new spots for a drink. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming browsing through Google for all the choices for a drinks catch-up with a friend, so hopefully this makes it a little easier. I’ve tried to incorporate a more diverse range here so there’s something for everyone. The list also takes into account the bar‘s ambience, menu creativity (for drinks & bar bites) and of course, comfort. Not ranked in order. Happy drinking!
1. Tea cocktails and gin-infused T&Tonic at Tell Camellia
The perfect bar for tea and cocktail lovers! Tell Camellia just opened on the LG level of H Code, and serves up some seriously good cocktails themed on teas from all around the world. The menu is small, and is split into signature cocktails, T&Tonic aka tea-infused gin & tonics, and mocktails. I honestly can’t decide on only one favourite – but it has to be among the Japan (it floats!) made with matcha and fermented soybean, Kenya made with Marinyn tea and banana wine, and Australia made with Yalangi rain tea, tim tams and whisky. No food served here. Go upstairs to The Chicken Bar for a bite after!
Vibe: Modern, trendy, creative Tel: +852-2366-2115 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-1am Address: LG/Floor, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central
2. Rare wines and eccentric designs at ThinkWine
Finally, a classy (but laid back!) wine bar in Hong Kong where I can sit down comfortably with a friend and chat the night away. Refreshingly, without the hectic clutter of dinner service going on in the background nor standing barrel tables that more often than not result in bumping backs with strangers. The first thing you notice about ThinkWine is its eccentric and sophisticated interior design – which co-founder JB Issele claims is modeled after his own mother’s living room in France. Loved everything about this concept – from the sommelier-led menu of wines by the glass and bottle featuring rare and small-scale producers, to the menu of super premium bar bites like Pata Negra ham, cured Balik salmon and Kaviari caviar with blinis.
Vibe: Classy, quirky, relaxed Tel: +852-2886-3121 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 3pm-2am Address: 2/F 2, 4 Shelley St, Central
3. Japanese rock and roll temaki bar at TMK
If you love sushi, sake and rock music, this is your spot. Located below Honjo in the quiet heart of Sheung Wan, entering TMK is like stepping into a lively underground izakaya. There’s a sushi counter serving up sashimi (hamachi, salmon, tuna, etc) and tasty signature hand-rolls such as the Kalifornia, made with king crab, kani-mayo, tobiko, cucumber and avocado, with table seats scattered throughout the small space. The drinks menu is printed on bright pink vinyl CD’s, and features a large range of sakes, wines, beers and spirits to complement your hand-rolls.
Vibe: Retro, loud, interactive Tel: +852-2662-2269 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 6pm-11pm Address: Shops G & H, G/F and M/F, 77-91 Queens’s Road West, Sheung Wan
4. Secret ladies-only bar, the XX at Rosewood Hong Kong
Girls’ night takes on new meaning with the addition of this gorgeous speakeasy bar to Rosewood Hong Kong’s ever-growing portfolio of F&B outlets. Men aren’t allowed in here, and entry requires a *secret* password at the door. Enjoy light and delicate botanicals-infused cocktails, as well as a delicious array of elegant bar bites while taking in the harbour views. Rosewood’s main signature bar, The DarkSide is worth a visit too.
Vibe: Intimate, glamorous, moody Tel: +852 5239 9219 Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 6pm-late Address: Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
5. Al fresco sunset drinks at La Rambla by Catalunya
La Rambla recently re-opened its amazing 4,200 sq. ft. terrace, and to celebrate, a new terrace happy hour menu to go with it. Happy hour goes from Mon-Sun, 3pm-8pm, during which you can enjoy a series of complimentary montaditos with your cocktail. Because Hong Kong’s cooler months should be spent sipping G&T‘s and sangria on al fresco terraces!
Vibe: Casual, romantic, buzzy
Tel: +852-2661-1161
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am-10:30pm
Address: Level 3, IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong